Dave Goughnour

One other thing. Removing the intake was simple. I should know, I forgot to hook up a cooling hose that sits just under it. So after I put the intake on and filled it with water, it leaked like a 1 year old watching a sprinkler. Did it all over again. Didn't take more than 30 min.

I have a question. If you don't remove the intake, how do you get access to the Torque converter to drive plate nuts. The inspection cover is conceled by the intake. Is it that easy to do it from below? If you pull the torque converter with the engine, how hard is it to line everything back up when you toss the engine in.

Here's a list of everything thats gone wrong on my 97 OBW 2.5 and 135k. Alternator- Recall Front crankshaft seal Left front wheel bearing Camshaft seals Head Gaskets No power to rear wheels. If I where you I would pay close attention to the head gaskets. As a matter of fact read every thread about them and overheating. This is going to be questionable advice to some, but if you stomp on the gas and the front wheels spin, I'd question the AWD. Read all the threads concerning it. The car has a value around $2500-$4k. If your not able to do the work yourself and you find problems or question the AWD or Head gaskets, I'd walk away.

Sorry folks, Rained all week-end, my steelers are in the super bowl, I drank too much. In other words I sat on the couch drinking and didn't touch the car. I let you know.

Hang on a second. Now that I've thought about this awhile, wouldn't the ABS keep the rear wheels from locking up? I'm not so sure that test can make a determination.

I did. Rear wheels didn't lock up. Got me curious. From a dead stop on dry pavement I punched it. Front wheels spun pretty good. Who know's, I'm going on with the plan. What do ya think 97OBW?

Dang I wish I'd of known about this site when I changed my HG's. That plastic separator plate was leaking and I just took it off, cleaned it up and re-installed with rtv. Hope it lasts. I'd like too see the mech that can change those heads with it in the car. I wouldn't want to try it. I don't know about anyone else, but I changed the belt tensioner also. Another thing! did you find the drivers side cams harder to turn when lining up the marks? I did. Called a mate and he say's thats normal. ?

When I smash the gas from a dead stop and the front wheels spin till I let off it on a wet road. Never used to do that. Both my kids have Subaru's, 2005 sport wagon and a 2003 wrx. Neither of those slip a bit. Thats a good test though. I'll try it, but I'm almost sure they aren't putting out.

Great info folks. With all that and what you all have posted in past threads here's my plan of attack this week-end. Too my knowledge I haven't experienced any binding. Unless by binding you mean the tranny takes a little longer to shift when it's cold. 1. Fuse 2. Ground 3. Solenoid resistance 4. Internal filter change and me performing the flush 5. Machine flush 6. A few vacation day's and visual on the clutch pack and solenoid (replace if needed) If I forgot anything let me know. Otherwise I'll let ya know Monday. Thanks again.

It is odd to me that it started almose right after I changed gear oils - I assumed I had dislodged some crap and caused the solenoid to die Flush or don't Flush?

Chef, Sorry, bought the car new. I've put all the miles on it. I have no mechanical noise. Fishing to see if anyone else has flushed their Tranny and how things worked out. It's among the cheapest things to try first. By the way no codes or check engine light. Interesting thread back several pages talks about the solenoid, but I'm checking everything easiest to hardest. Thanks for the input.

Hey folks, 97 OBW 135k. Read all the threads concerning AWD problems. My rear wheels aren't getting power. Before I drop the drive shaft,exhaust and check for a stuck duty solenoid I want to flush the Tranny (Nipper). I've been told flushing can cause other problems. I've never changed the Tranny fluid. Dealer CHANGED the fluid when I first complained about the AWD (129k). Should I flush or just go ahead and check the Solenoid? After 6k have I killed the clutch pack? Great advice in all the topics. You guy's are the heat.

97 OBW 135k. I've owned a Dodge, Chevy, Ford and a Honda. By far my OBW has been the best. I've changed my HG's for around 1k (my labor,machine work and every part inside that could go bad) and thats it. Nothing else except normal wear and tear items. Working on my AWD problem right now (my fault, didn't change fluid, ever). To blame a manufacture for a HG going bad, well over 100k is nieve. Original exhaust, axles, and not a single trim item has fallen off or broken. I'm enjoying not making a car payment every month. My wife wanted a KIA! Trade my Subaru for a KIA? NEVER!

Nipper, Can you give me the location of the speed sensors or are they in the tranny. Mines a AT. Thanks mate.

Hey Nipper! Thanks for replying. 135k on the car. I'll try what you've suggested. Dealer mech changed the fluid (not the same as a flush). I'll try the fuse and if you could give me the location of the speed sensor's it would help. I've buried the car in the sand a few times so that might be the ticket. Last resort I'll take it to the shop and have the gages put on her.